Nathaniel Chalobah believes he can have no better role models than Nemanja Matic and N'Golo Kante as the Chelsea youngster looks to force his way into the first team.

The Blues midfielder first made the bench at the age of 15 and, six years later, made his first appearances for the club under Antonio Conte in the EFL Cup and he is set to be given a chance against Peterborough later today.

And he has been watching and learning from the likes of Matic, Kante, Cesc Fabregas and former Blue Oscar.

Chalobah said: “Right now there is no better example than the two midfielders who are starting every week.

“I look at the likes of Kante and Matic in training every day and learn from them. I watch Cesc Fabregas and before he left, Oscar.

“All massive players who have won big trophies and played in major tournaments. I am learning from the manager and all his staff as well. I can't really complain.”

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He added: “Yes, they take me under their wing and give me advice, as does the manager. But watching them does benefit me.”

It's hard to believe Chalobah is only 21 as he has been in and around the Chelsea squad for six years but the midfielder is still there and working hard to break into the side.

He added: “People have different speed of development. Some people make it at 18, others don't get in until they're 22.

“I just have to take things in my stride and keep working every day. That's what I'm trying to do.”

On how he kept the faith, the Blues man said: “There are a lot of people around me who help with this, my family, some of the staff members at the club and I have close friends, people who care about me.

“I feel they have stuck by through the whole thing and experiences that I have had - good and bad. It's always important to think of those people when things are going well - like now.”

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